What Dock Station Do I Need, Any Recommandation?

NarutoBargain on 08/06/2023 - 21:57

Hi Ozbargainers,

I need some help selecting a dock station as I come across this deal.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/779918#comment-13865525

While the dock itself is not a bad deal, I could not help to notice people mentioning the fan noise once switch this on.

So then I start looking for an alternative. But the more I read the more I found it's a new sinking hole for me, there are just too many choices and none of them I am familiar with.

My requirement is quite simple. I and my wife are sharing a desk and a 34-inch curved monitor from home. So it is like the days I went to the office she works from home and vice versa. I have a mac book pro 14-inch with m1 chip and she got a dell xp something that supports Thunderbolt. So I need a dock station that supports Thunderbolt (connecting to display as well as charging our laptop) and DOESN'T have a fan on it.

TL;DR: Please recommend a dock station that supports display + charging for laptops that support Thunderbolt and DOESN'T have a fan on it.

Electrical & Electronics Docking Station

Comments

  • vodamerc on 08/06/2023 - 22:25
    +1

    Having had multiple dell thunderbolt docks I wouldn't touch one again.

    I have been using a Dynabook Thunderbolt 4 Dock for a year or so now and I have to say its been flawless. The I/O is also better than the dell offering too. Best of all, no fan.

    I run my Samsung CRG9 monitor which is 5k wide, at 120hz with no issues via DisplayPort. 90w PD is plenty for my i9 16" MacBook Pro.

    • NarutoBargain on 09/06/2023 - 09:09

      Looks so cool. Researching on it. Thanks!

  • sumyungguy on 09/06/2023 - 10:03

    Please clarify you can't just cable-swap - why do you need the dock?

    • NarutoBargain on 09/06/2023 - 10:16

      Yes. I just want a cleaner desk with only one cable available. So we don't have to have charging cables + video cables + HDMI cables all around.

  • Gdsamp on 09/06/2023 - 14:50
    +1

    what are you plugging into the dock

    Could you get away with 1 cable for charging and 1 cable for monitor + BT Mouse/Keyboard ?

    comments in this thread indicates that ThinkPad DisplayPort dock works with M1 MacBook.

    this page indicates that DisplayPort dock will work to output 4K 60hz monitor.

    You could go with a Thunderbolt ThinkPad dock also. I think this one allows you to upgrade to a 135W power adapter, so as to support 100W charging to laptop.

    There is ThinkPad Dock firmware for Windows to better support the dock, but not for Mac. See this thread for displaylink firmware for Mac

    None of the ThinkPad docks have fans.

    • vodamerc on 09/06/2023 - 15:10
      +1

      The DisplayPort dock is only DP1.2 which kind of sucks. Would not recommend.

      The best value thunderbolt 4 dock is the Dynabook I linked above IMO. It has better I/O than the ThinkPad. 90w vs 100w PD is negligible, especially when OP is powering a 14" MPB which is powered by a 65w adapter from Apple.

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